Lock



Nov. 19, 1946. T. H. JOHNSTONE LOCK Filed April 18, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 4r INVENTOR 74/7. 34m Z OhZ 0&4 ATTORNEY 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 T. H. JOHNSTONE' LOCK Filed April 18, 1944 E I 1i 1 ulhumlmn. a,

Nov. 19, 1946.

INVENTOR 7TH. Jzrm-Z o e BY Mm ATTORNEY Nov. 19, 1946- T. H. JOHNSTONE LOCK- Filed April 18, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR H, J; 4 nu 76m 'BY M0640 ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 19,1946

LOCK

Theodore H. Johnstone, Detroit, Mich., assignor' to The Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company, Stamford, Conn, a corporation of (Jonnecticut Application April 18, 1944, Serial No. 531,530

1 Thisinvention relates vto locks, and more particularly to looks of the type in which tumblers are set by a :key. Even more particularly, the invention relates 'tolocks of the type employing a key plug that is preferably rotatable to a release position upon the predetermined setting of turnblers by akey inserted in the key plug.

The object of my invention. is to provide'a lock of the: class described in which many different keys may be provided for opening the lock. Commercially, this is known as providing many key changes without interchange. A second object of my invention is the provision of a lock of the class described in which. master, keying may be accomplished Without interchange. A third object of my invention is to provide a lock with great pick resistance.

It is of course well known that locks should be pick resisting, and there is great demand. for an extreme pick resisting lock mechanism. It is also well: known that locks should be adapted for master-keying, but that looks that are master keyed, are more readily picked than looks that are not master keyed. Thus, in pin tumbler locks, as an example, there are more breaks in the pins where master keys are provided, and therefore, more picking lines are available and may be utilized. It is a feature of thelock of my invention, that the pick resistance is increased through the provision of more master keys, this feature being inherent and the very basis of my invention.

i Aparticular feature of my invention resides in the utilization of a series of tumblers each having a plurality of gatings for alignment relatively to a plurality of fences. Actually, I prefer one fence for each master key, although my invention is capable of being used in other ways as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In selecting the word fence to describe the tumbler controlled parts of my invention, I have considered the functional characteristics of a fence rather than the physical features offences known in the art. Thus, those skilled in the art should consider that by the term fence I mean any member that is tumbler" controlled. Similarly, when I call for a fence and gating relationship between the tumblers and fences of my invention, I allude not to the movement of a lug of a fence into a slot in a tumbler, but rather to an arrangement of the tumblers and. fences whereby a particular alignment of the tumblers will release a fence for movement. The claims setting forth the scope of my invention should be read in the light of significance of the language used by me".

37 Claims. (Cl. 70-421) Preferably, each fence ofimy'invention requires a particular composite alignment of the'tumblers for the release movement of the fence, and the composite alignment of the tumblers for one fence is different from that alignment that is required for each other fence. Therefore, in picking the lock, shouldone fence move into the wron fence and gating relation with a tumbler, the particular tumbler will be held against movement to correct alignment, Each fence and each gating is therefore an obstacle to the setting of the tumblers into the correct composite alignment by picking action. Therefore, the more fences that are utilized, and the more gatings provided to yield more changes and more master keys, the more pick resisting does my lock become. This phase of my invention will later be discussed in more detail and reference will be had to specific structure.

A further detailed featur of my invention resides in the control of the lock mechanism by the fences. More particularly, this feature resides in the useof what I term a detent adapted to be controlled in its action by the fences. 'Preferably the detent is predisposed toward blocking the operation of the look, but is held back by a tumbler controlled member or fence as I herein use the term fence. By having a plurality of fences, as for instance one for each master key, with anyone fence capable of holding the detent from movement into blocking position, it is possible to provide a considerable number of master keys, While simultaneouslyincreasing the pick resistance of the lock because of the inherent nature of my invention. As a further feature of my invention, the detent is not moved to block the lock operation until after some preliminary operation of the lock mechanism, as for examme, the partial rotation of the key plug forming part of the lock mechanism. Still a further feature of my invention resides in the utilization of this partial rotation of the lock mechanism to set the tumblers so that when the detent is released for movement to blocking position, it may be held fromsuch movement by any one of the tumbler released members or fences. A still further feature of my invention resides in the utilization of the detent for holding the fences or tumbler controlled members away from 'the'tumb'lers, therebyjmaintaining the tumblers released for free and easy positioning,

I have thus described generally the main features' of my invention in order that a better understanding' of the relation of my invention to the prior art may be had. There are of course additional valuable features inherent in my invention that I have not, up to this point, outlined, because those features will best be understood from the specific disclosure that follows. Naturally, my contribution to the art should not be considered as limited by the particular form of my invention hereinafter set forth.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. l is a perspective View of my inventionembodied in a cylinder lock of the type in which a key plug is rotatable in a cylinder upon the proper positioning of certain tumblers. Fig. 2 is a vertical section along lines 22 of Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are respectively sections along lines 3-3 and 4-4 of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a partial section and end view of the lock looking at it from the left of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a perspective exploded view of the key plug, a tumbler, two fences and the detent. Fig. 7 is a view of the parts shown in Fig. 6, but with the key plug rotated ninety degrees and with the tumblers set to release one fence and with that :fence holding the detent against movement to blocking position. 7

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the cylinder portion of my invention is designated by reference numeral l0 and the keyplug by reference numeral II, the key for the lock bearing the reference letter K, all as'is probably best shown in Fig. 1. A series of tumblers I2 is mounted in the cylinder Ill, the cylinder being 4, a particular composite alignment of the tumblers l2.

It will be noted that each of the tumblers I2 is formed with a plurality of gatings 2B, and that each of the fences is formed with a series of lugs 29. If the several tumblers are positioned as shown in Fig. '7 so that each tumbler has a gating 28 in alignment with the plugs- 29 ofone fence, shown as fence 2| in Fig. 7, that fence is released for movement toward the detent under the pressure of a spring 24. Naturally, the keys K have their blades l8 so bitted at 26 for cooperation with the tumblers that each key will set the tumblers so that particular gatings thereof will be aligned opposite one of the fences and so that that one fence, and only that one fence will be Y urged to release position.

divided by walls I3 as best shown in Figs. 2 and '3 into a series of compartments l4, two tumblers l2 sliding in each of said compartments. The tumblers are formed so as to interfit, and so as to cooperate with separate springs l5 and I6 in each of the compartments, there being one spring foreach tumbler. The springs are held in position by a plate Illa that slides into position to close the upper ends of the tumbler chambers Hi, all as best seen in Figs. 1, 2 and 4.

In their initial position, each of the tumblers |2- rests on the portion ll of the key plug as seen in Fig. 6. In order to set the tumblers |2, a key is inserted into the key plug as shown in Fig. 1, the blade l8 of the key moving into the keyway |9,- As illustrated in Fig. 7, the key K and its blade I8 act to rotate the key plug H from the position of Fig. 6 to the position of Fig. '7. This rotation of the key plug and key effects the positioning of the tumblers i2 by the bitted portions 26 of'the key, all as will be understood by those' skilled in the art.

For coaction with the tumblers I2, I employ a series of tumbler controlled members that I prefer to'callfences. For convenience in describing my invention, the fences on the right hand side of the lock, looking at Fig. 4, are each designated by reference numeral 2|, and similarly, the right hand fence in Fig. 6 is designated by reference numeral 2|. The fences at the left in'Figs. 4 and 6 are designated by reference numeral 22. It will of course be noted that the fences slide in suitably formed openings 23 formed in the cylinder l0 transversely to tumblers. l2. Springs 24, there being one spring for each fence preferably, act to project the fences inwardly of the cylinder and toward what I term a detent 25. The detent 25 is mounted for sliding parallel to the tumblers and has a series of ratchet-like slots 26, into any one of which may enter the end 21 of any one of the fences 2|, 22. It is of course the function of the springs 24 to press the fences 2| and 22 toward the slots 26 when the fences are released for movement by The detent 25 has lugs 36 as shown in Figs. 5, 6 and '7, adapted to cooperate with shoulders 3| of the key plug so as to prevent rotation of the key plugmore than ninety degrees from its position of Fig. 6. Thus, in Fig. 7, were the detent 25 to bereleased for downward movement under the influence of its spring 32, one. of the lugs 36 would fit against shoulder 3| andwould prevent further rotation of the key plug H. In the initial position of the parts in Fig. 6, the detent 25 is maintained in its upward release position through the cooperation of the roller 33 of the detent lying against the cam 36 formed as a portion of the key plug. As the key plug I l rotates from its position of Fig. 6 to its position of Fig. '7 and beyond the position of Fig. '7, the cam 36 will continue to hold the detent 25 in its release position against the pressure of spring 32 until cam surface 31 moves opposite the roller33.- The detent will then be lowered so as to bring one lug 3|] opposite the shoulder 3| and thereafter'block further rotation of the key plug i 7 If, during the rotation of the key plug'as set forth, a proper key K has been in the keyway l9 as shown in Fig. 7, certain of the tumbler gatings 28 will be aligned relatively to the lugs 29 of one of the fences 2|. The said fence 2| will therefore be urged by the spring 24 into one of the ratchet-like slots 26 of the detent 25. Thus, when the surface 31 of the cam 36 releases the detent 25 for downward locking movement, the end 21 of the fence 2| will move intothe slot 26 and will prevent the further downward movement of the detent 25. Therefore,-the lug 30 will not move into blocking relation to the shoulder 3|,

and it will be possibl to continue the rotation of fences against movement under the influence of the'springs 24. Because of thisrelationship of the parts, when the key plug is in its initial locking position of Fig. 6, the fence lugs 29 will not bear against the tumblers l2. Therefore, the tumblers l2 willmov'e freely of the-lugs 29 when set by the blade l8 of the key. This gives a very free and easy operation of the tumblers by the key, all as is considered very desirable in this art. This arrangement ofthe parts also hinders picking because it makes it impossible to applythe fence lugs 29 against tumblers |2 until the detent 25 has been partially released so as to withdraw the surfaces 46 thereof from the surfaces 4| of the fences 2|, 22. Unless the fencesfbear against the tum le'r -s it: is impossible to attempt pickingthe-lock. It is further well to-indica'te that preferably, the alignment. of thetumblers |2.to release one fence 2t, positions soIid -portionsof at least one of the tumblers oppositeat leastone fence lug of each of the-other fences '2-i, -22so as to blockmovemerit. ofany of the-other fences into release position; In other words, only one-fenceis releasable by a-particularsetting of the tumblers, and all the other fencesare locked. Because of this relationship of the parts, pickingis a practical impossibility as was earlier outlined; As -a practical example, viewing Fig. 4, it will be noted that I employ in my-lockten fences and that-each tumbler-l Zis formed with ten' atings. Therefore, if the key plug I isrotated so that the fences 2 l, 2 2-may press against thetumblers I2 through the partial release of detent 25 by cam 3ii,'there will be ten fence lugs 29- pressing against each tumbler I2' and tending to enter one of the several gatingsZB.

If a fence lug 29 naturally thereafter enters one gating 28, it will hold the tumbler of that gating against vertical movement. If the fence Whose lug 29 has'moved into the particular gating is not thereafter released bythe proper positioning of the gatings of every other tumbler, the fence will not move to release position. It must be understood that every other tumbler will have nine fences other than the right one tending to enter ten gatings thereof. Similarly, if the particular gatingia of the tumbler #2 into which thefence lug 29 has entered is not the particular gating to be aligned with the fence that is released or is to be released by theremaining tumblers, it is naturally impossible tore-set the tumbler to the fence that isto be released. The obstacles to the picking of a lock thus outlined increase as the number of fences increase, and are further multiplied by the number of tumblers and gatings, presenting therefore practically insurmountable difficulties. It is reiterated that the greater the number offences and the greater the number of gatings ateach tumbler to-obtain more key'change and more master greater will be the resistance to the picking of the lock of my invention.

I believe that my inventionwill now be readily keys, the successful understood by those skilled in the art and that r the manner in which my invention may be utilized will be apparent.

Inow claim:

1. In a, lock, a' series of tumblers movably mounted therein relatively to said cylinder and adapted to be key set, a plurality of lock control members movably mounted in said lock, the setting of said tumblers in one composite position releasing one of said lock control members for movement, while the setting of said tumblersin another composite position for releasing another of said'lock control members positionssaid tumblers to leave the first lock control memberlocked.

2. In a lock, a series of tumblers movably mounted therein and adapted to be key set, a plurality of fences movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, and said series of tumblers being gating relationship with as to require a different composite setting for each fence.

3; In a lock, a series of tumblers movably mounted therein and' adapted to be key set, a plurality offences movablymounted in said lock andleach movable independently toward a release position when saidiseries-of tumblers is placed in predetermined (alignment relatively theret rth'e predetermined alignment to release one of said fences for movement being diiferentfromithat required to release .another one of saidifencessfor said movement.

4; In a look, a series of tumblers: ,movably mounted therein and adapted to be key'set each each adaptedxtoenter aligned gatings ofsaid tumblers incidental to movement of said fences into a-ser es of movabletumbers adaptedto be setbya moves-to release position when said tumblers are properly key set.

fence means moves to release position,

8. In a lock of the class described, a key plug, aseries of movably mountedtumblers adapted for movement, a locking means for eifecting'the lock ing' of said key plug against release mason beyond said second position, and means whereby any'oneofsaid fence means when in release position effects the maintenance of said locking means out of locking position relatively to said y p us.

9. In a lock of-the class described, a cylinder,

a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a detent for limiting the rotation of said key plug from a release position to a second position, means whereby said detent is held out of its limiting position until after rotation of said key plug toward said second position, said detent having a series of holding surfaces whereby it may be held against movement to its limiting position when released upon rotation of the key plug, tumblers adapted for setting by a key in the keyway of said'key plug, and tumbler controlled elements movable into holding relation to said holding surfaces.

10. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug movable in a bore formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a plurality of in said cylinder, and said series of tumblers being in adifferent fence and gating relationship with each of said fence means so as to require a different composite setting for each fence. 11. :In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in a bore of said cylinder, a series of paralle1 tumblers mounted for movement relatively to said key plug and adapted for positioning by a key in a keyway of said key plug, a pair of fences movable relatively to said tumblers, each of said tumblers having a plurality of gatings, the alignment of one gating of each tumbler opposite one of said fences allowing the movement or said fence into said aligned gatings and into release position, said gatings when aligned relatively to said one fence remaining unaligned relatively to the remaining fence.

12. In a, lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug movable in a bore formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a plurality of fence means movably mounted in said cylinder and each movable independently toward a release position when said series of tumblers is placed in predetermined alignment relatively thereto, the predetermined alignment to release one of said fence means for movement being different from that required to releas another one of said fence means for said movement.

.13. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug movable in a bore formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, each of said tumblers having a plurality of gatings, a plurality of fence means mounted in said cylinder and each adapted to enter aligned gatings of said tumblers incidental to-movement of said fence means into release position, the composite positioning of said tumblers to present aligned gatings to one of said fence means being different from that which said tumblers must assume to present aligned gatings to another of said fence means.

14. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder,

a key plug rotatable in a bore formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a key insertedinto a keyway formed in said key plug, a plurality of fences movably mounted in said cylinder relatively to said tumblers, each of said fences having a series of fence portions, zone for each tumbler, and each tumbler having a plurality of gatings for each fenceportion.

15. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder,

a key plug rotatable ina bore formed in said fence means movably mounted cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a plurality of fences movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, each of said fences having a series of fence portions, one for each tumbler, and each tumbler having a plurality of gatings for each fence portion, said gatings being so positioned in said tumblers that a particular alignmentof said tumblers will release at least one of said fences for transverse movement relatively to said tumblers.

16. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key ,plug rotatable in a bore formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a plurality of fences movably mounted in said cylinder transverselyrelatively to said tumblers, each of said fences having a series of fence portions, one for each tumbler, and each tumbler having a plurality of gatings for each fence portion, said gatings being so positioned in said tumblers that a particular alignment of said tumblers to position a series of gatings opposite the fence portions of one fence to allow transverse movement of said one fence, will not present aligned gatings to the fence portions of the remaining fences.

17. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in a bore formed in said cylinder, a series of movable tumblers adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a plurality of fences movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, each of said fences having a series of fence portions, one for each tumbler, and each tumbler having a plu rality of gatings for each fence portion, said gatings being so positioned in said tumblers that a particular alignment of said tumblers. to position a series of gatings opposite the fence portions of one fence to allow movement of said one fence, will not present aligned gatings to the fence portions of the remaining fences.

18. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in a bore formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a plurality of fences movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, a series of fence lugs on each of said fences with one lug for each tumbler, a plurality of gatings in each of said tumblers into any one of which said one fence lug of each tumbler may enter, a spring pressing each of said fences toward movement into said gatings, said gatings being so positioned in said tumblers that a particular alignment of said tumblers to position a series of gatings opposite the fence portions of one fence to allow movement of said one fence, will not present aligned gatings to the fence portions of the remaining fences.

19. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in a bore formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a-key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a plurality of fence means movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, a, detent for locking said key plug, a portion of each of said fence means rendering said detent ineffective to lock said plug when any one of said fence means moves to a release position, and means whereby at least one of "said fence means .moves' to re-;-

independently of said fence :Jkey set.

20. In a ilock of the class described, -:a cylinder, a key plugrotatable in a bore formed in said cylinder, aseri'es of tumblers "movably mounted relatively :to "said :key'plug and adapted to be set bya key inserted into a 'keyway form'ed in said key'plugga plurality of fence means :movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, a detent for locking said key plug, a portion of each of said fence means rendering "said detent ineffective to lock-said plug when any one of said fence means moves to a release position, and said series 'of tumblers being in fence and gating relationship with at least one of said fence means whereby the predeterminedsetting of said tumblers will effect the release movement of at least said one fence means.

21. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in a bore "formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers'movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a plurality of fence means movably mounted relatively to said tumblers and each movable independently toward a release position when said series of tumblers is placed in predetermined alignment relatively thereto, the pre= determined alignment to release one of said fence means for movement being different from that required to release another one of said fence means for said movement, a detent for locking said key plug against release rotation, and a portion of each of said fence means rendering said detent ineifective to lock said plug one of said fence means moves to release position.

22. In a'lock' of the class described, a cylinder, 9, ke plug rotatable in a bore formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a plurality of fence means movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, said series of tumblers being in fenceand gating relationship with at least one of' said fence means to release said fence-means for movement relatively to said tumblers, a detent for" preventing rotation of said key plug beyond a predetermined position when sition, a spring pressing said detent toward locking position, and a portion of each of said fence means adaptedto hold said detent against movement to locking position when any one of said fencemeans is in release position.

23. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable inabore formed in said cylinder, 3, series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be 'set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a series of fence means movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, said series of tumblers being in fence and gating relationship with at least one of said fence means to release said fence'means for movement relatively to said'tum'blers, a detent for preventing rotation of said'key plug beyond a predetermined positionwlien said detent moves to locking position, a spring pressing said detent toward locking position, a portion of each of said fence means adapted to hold said detent against movement to locking position when any oneiof said fence'means is in release position, and means for holding said detent out of locking position means until after.

when any said detent moves to locking poposition when said detent moves --lng',position, 'a portion of 'each means adapted to hold said detent aga'mst mo'va predetermined :rotation or said 'key and key tplug.

'24. In a lock of the class described; a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in a bore formed insaid cylinder, a series 'of tumblers movably mounted relatively 'tosaid key plug and adapted to beset by a key inserted into a keyway'formed in said key plug, a plurality :of fence m'ea'ns movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, said series of tumblers being in fence and 'gating rel ation ship with at least 'one of said fen'ce means to release said. fence means for movement 'relatiyelyto said tumblers, a detentfor preventing ro- 'tation of said key plug beyond :a'p'redetermined to locking positioma spring pressing said detent toward lock- Of 'Sald fn'Ce ment to locking position when any one of said fence means is in releasepositi'on, said tumblers being so positioned as to require the'rota'tion df the key plug and key to a predetermined position prior to the setting of said tumblers to release one of said fence means.

25. In a'lock of the class described, acylinder, a key plug rotatable ina bo're formed in said cylinder, a :series of tumblers 'movably mounted relatively to said key plug and "adapted to be set by akey inserted into a keyway formed said key-plug, locking means for effecting the locking of said key plug against free rotation relatively to said cylinder, fe'nce means for controlling the said locking means, said tumblers having gatings into which said fence means enter to move into release position, and means whereby when said fence means is in release position it effects the maintenance of said locking means out of looking relation relatively to said key plug.

a key plug rotatable in a 26. In a lock of the class described-a "cylinder, bore formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relativelyto said key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyiway formed in said: key plug, a plurality offence means movably mounted relatively to said tumble-rs and each movable independently toward a release position when said series of tumblers ispla'eed in predetermined alignment relatively thereto, the predetermined alignment to release one of said fence means for movement being different 'from that required to release another one of said fence means for said movement, locking means for effecting the locking of said key plug against free rotation relatively to said cylinder, and means whereby any one of said fence means when in release position eifects the maintenance of said locking means out of locking position relatively to said key plug.

27. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in a bore formed in said cylinder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively tosaid key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, locking means for effecting the locking of said key plug against free rotation relatively to said cylinder, fence means for controlling the said locking means, said tumblers having gati-ngs into which said fence means enter to move into 11 a key "plug rotatable in a inder, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted to be set by a key inserted into a keyway formed in said key plug, a series of fence means movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, and each movable independently toward a release position when said series of tumblers is placed in predetermined alignment relatively thereto, the predetermined alignment to release one of said fence means for movement being different from that required to release another one of said fence means for said movement, locking means for effecting the locking of said key plug against free rotation relatively to said cylinder, means whereby any bore formed in said cylone of said fence means when in release position effects the maintenance of said' locking means out of locking position relatively to said key plug, and said locking means holding said fence means away from said gatings until predetermined rotation of said key plug.

29; In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder and having a keyway, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted for setting by a key in said plug keyway upon rotation of said key plug and key from an initialposition to a second position, each of said tumblers having a plurality of gatings, a plurality .of fences each adapted to enter aligned gatings of said tumblers incidental to movement of said fences into release position, the composite positioning of said .tumblers to present aligned gatings to one of said fences being different from that which said tumblers must assume to present aligned gatings to another of said fences, a detent spring pressed into locking position relatively to said key plug to prevent the release rotation of said key plugfrom said second position, means whereby said detent is maintained against movement to locking position until said tumblers are key set by rotation of said key plug and key, and means whereby any one of said fenses when moved to release position through entry into aligned gatings, effects the holding of said detent out of i locking position upon continued rotation of said key plug.

30. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder,

a key plug rotatable in said cylinder and having a keyway, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted for setting by a key in said plug keyway upon rotation of said key plug and key from an initial position to a second position, each of said tumblers having a plurality of gatings, a plurality of fences each adapted to enter aligned gatings of said tumblers incidental to movement of said fences into release position, the composite positioning of said tumblers to present aligned gatings to one of said fences being different from that which said tumblers must assume to present aligned gatings to another of said fences, a detent spring pressed into locking position relatively to said key plug to prevent the release rotation of said key plug from said second position, means whereby said detent is maintained against movement to locking position until said tumblers are key set by ,rotation of said key plug and key, the end of any one of said fences when moved into release position through entry into aligned gatings effect-ing the holding of said detent out of locking position upon continued rotation of said key plug.

, 31. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder and havin a keyway, a series of tumblers movably monnted relatively to said key plug and adapted for setting by a key in said plug keyway upon rotation said tumblers to present aligned gatings to one of said fences being different from that which said tumblers must assume to present aligned gatings to another of said fences, a detent spring pressed into locking position relatively to said key plug to prevent the release rotation of said key plug from said second position, means whereby said detent is maintained against movement to locking position until said tumblers are key set by rotation of said key plug and key, means whereby any one of said fences when moved to release position through entry into aligned gatings, effects the holding of said detent out of locking position upon continued rotation of said key plug, and said detent itself holding said fences out of release position until after said tumblers have been key set.

32. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder and having a key way, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key p ug and adapted for setting by a key in said plug keyway upon rotation of said key plug and key from an initial position to a second position, locking means for effecting the locking of said key plug against'release rotation from said second position, a fence for controlling the said locking means, said tumblers having gatings into which said fence enters to move into release position, and means whereby when said fence is in release position it effects the maintenance of said locking means out of locking position relatively to said key plug.

33. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder and having a keyway, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted for settin by a key in said plug keyway upon rotation of said key plug and key from an initial position to a second position, each of said tumblers having a plurality of gatings, a plurality of fences movably mounted relatively to said tumblers, and each movable independently toward a release position when said series of tumblers is placed in predetermined alignment relatively thereto, the predetermined alignment to release one of said fences for movement being different from that required torelease another one of said fences for said movement, locking means for effecting the locking of said key p ug against release rotation beyond said second position, and means whereby any one of said fences when in release position effects the maintenance of said locking means out of locking position relatively to said key plug.

34. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable on said cylinder and having a keyway, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted for setting by a key in said plug keyway upon rotation of said key p ug and key from an initial position to a second position. locking means for effecting said fence is in release position it effects the maintenance of said locking means out of locking position relatively to said key plug, and said locking means holding said fence away from said tumblers until after said key plug and key have rotated to set said tumblers.

35. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder and having a keyway, a series of tumblers movably mounted relatively to said key plug and adapted for setting by a key in said plu keyway upon rotation of said key plu and key from an initial position to a second position, each of said tumblers having a plurality of gatings, a plurality of fences mounted relatively to said tumblers and each adapted to enter aligned gatings of said tumblers incidental to movement of said fences into release position, the composite positioning of said tumblers to present aligned gatings to one of said fences being different from that which said tumblers must assume to present aligned gatings to another of said fences.

36. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a detent for limiting the rotation of said key plu from a release position to a second position, means whereby said detent is held out of its limiting position by the key plug until after rotation of said key plug toward said second position, said detent having a holding surface whereby it may be held against movement to its limiting position when released by the key plug, tumblers adapted for setting by a key in the keyway of said key plug, and tumbler controlled elements movable into holding relation to said holding surface.

37. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a detent for limitin the rotation of said key plug from a release position to a second position, a spring pressing said detent into its limiting position, means whereby said detent is held out of its limiting position by the key plug until after rotation of said key plug toward said second position, said detent having a plurality of holding surfaces whereby it may be held against movement to its limiting position when released by the key plug, tumblers adapted for setting by a key in. the keyway of said key plug, and tumbler controlled elements movable into holding relation to said holdin surfaces.

THEODORE H. JOHNSTONE. 

